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Tory manifesto does little to woo green vote
11 April 2005
Friends of the Earth has hit out at the Conservative party for failing to take the threat of global climate change seriously. The Tory manifesto, published today, not only does little to demonstrate Tory concerns about climate change, it has little to say on the environment at all.
For example, the Conservative manifesto does not commit the party to the current Government's targets for cutting carbon dioxide (by 20 per cent by 2010 and 60 per cent by 2050) or give the impression that climate change is a threat at all. Only limited reference is made to other green issues, confirming the impression that a Conservative Government would not make this area a priority [2].
Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said
"This manifesto gives the impression that the environment will not be safe in Conservative hands. It fails to say how a Tory Government would tackle climate change, the biggest threat the planet faces, and suggests that environmental protection will be towards the bottom of its priorities."
The Conservative manifesto is particularly disappointing because environment spokesman Tim Yeo made an important speech last month recognising the threat from global warming and the need for the UK to develop a low carbon economy [2]. Crucially, the speech explicitly committed the Conservatives to cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010 and by 60% by 2050.
Notes
1. The Conservative manifesto makes only limited reference to environmental issues including: Lower vehicle excise duty for cleaner cars (but more help for motorists, such as on speed cameras); support for a broad range of renewables, Common fisheries policy brought under UK control and less greenfield building
2. Tories launch climate change strategy
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
